A Relational Covenant for Shoreline Covenant Church

 

As servants of Jesus and members of the local Body of Christ at Shoreline Covenant Church our purpose is to glorify God in our worship, our Christian fellowship, and in how we represent Jesus in our world. We acknowledge that this is only possible when we “walk in the light, as he [Jesus] is in the light” (1 John 1:7), actively pursue the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13 & Isaiah 30:21 & 58:11), and always pray about everything (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We will seek to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).

 

There are times when this comes naturally, and we thank God for those moments. We also acknowledge that there are times and circumstances where it is not easy to glorify God in our relationships with one another. Because of these difficulties and the reality of sin in our world and in our lives, we agree to this set of relational commitments, to help us live as a healthy expression of the Kingdom of God.

 

• I will use words that are helpful and beneficial for building up individuals and the body of Christ in both spoken and written communication (Ephesians 4:29)

• I will offer my opinions with clarity and humility (Romans 12:3)

• I will hold conversations in confidence; only sharing what is mine to share (Proverbs 11:13)

• I will seek to be humble and learn to see things from another person’s perspective, in order to pursue what is in their best interest and the best interest of the body of Christ (Philippians 2:3-4)

• I will actively use my gifts to support the vision and leadership of Shoreline Covenant Church (1 Peter 4:10)

• I will seek to be a trustworthy person and I will choose to assume the best intentions of others (Titus 2:7)

• I will take responsibility to pursue unity and live in peace with everyone (Ephesians 4:2-3 & Romans 12:18)

 

Whereas conflict is a natural part of all relationships, when confronted with disunity we will each prayerfully and humbly discern our own contribution to this brokenness first.

 

• We will then bring our concerns directly to the person we are in conflict with, being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, as we pursue the best interests of one another and the body of Christ. (Colossians 3:12-14)

• When I have hurt someone with my words and/or actions I will pursue reconciliation and seek their forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24)

• When I have been hurt by someone I will go directly to the person to share my hurt with them and seek restoration. If they don’t listen or I don’t feel comfortable going alone then I will bring a friend. If necessary, I will bring my hurt to the Board or Pastoral Staff to help us pursue restoration. (Matthew 18:15-17)

We acknowledge that, while we are new creations, we are not finished products. We will get it wrong sometimes as we walk on this journey together. Let us walk hand-in-hand, full of grace and truth, even when we don’t see eye-to-eye.